Finney Hill, its own vineyards JB George (Walla Walla), Bacchus & Dionysus, and Octave (Rox) are aged for 22 months in French barrels (30% new barrels). Aiming for a Bordeaux style, it is characterized by the mellow tannins and balance that are the strengths of Washington, not being overripe.
Cabernet Sauvignon from carefully selected vineyards in Columbia Valley is blended and released as "Columbia Valley AVA Wine." The vineyards used are carefully selected depending on the vintage. Depending on the vintage, a single vineyard may be able to claim the sub-appellation, but depending on the quality of the grapes, it may be blended with other vineyards, so the AVA is Columbia Valley.
The aim is to create a classic Bordeaux-style wine, with the Cabernet Sauvignon of Chateau Léoville Las Cases in particular in mind.
It features the mellow tannins and well-balanced body that are not overripe, which are the hallmarks of Washington Cabernet.
The 2018 vintage is a blend of two varieties and three vineyards.
Tasting Comments
Deep in color, it shows a wonderful combination of red, blue and black fruits, with nuances reminiscent of hard rock and stony soil, as well as a mineral feel like pencil lead.
It has a supple texture and a complex, deep flavor, with a strong hint of ripe fruit reminiscent of bitter chocolate, but also has a pleasant acidity and a beautiful balance that isn't too heavy.
The overall impression is one of elegance and mellowness.
The tannins are well-formed but still firmly present at the core.
Field Information
Field 1. Finney Hill Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills) 75%
The quality of the grapes has been improving year by year, and the wine has a firm structure and tannins typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a variety of Bordeaux-style herbs and earthy nuances that are very pleasant to taste.
Field 2. Sage Moore Vineyard (Bacchus & Dionysus plot) 16%
Located near the Pasco Regional Airport, it is part of the Columbia Valley AVA.
This is one of Washington's most legendary vineyards, cleared and planted in the 1960s (a famous vineyard used by many premium wineries, with vines 30-50 years old), and it adds strength, concentration, power, and complexity to the blueberry fruit flavors.
Field 3. Gramercy Estate (own field) JB George Vineyard & Octave Vineyard (Walla Walla Valley) 9%
Located across the road from the famous Pepper Bridge Vineyard, planted with Bordeaux varieties, the 2016 vintage was outstanding, with the concrete tank-fermented Cabernet surprising with all the minerality, tannins, smoky notes, structure and supple tannins.
Merlot has been made from old vines in Pepperbridge up until now, but in 2016, 7% of the vines were from JB George Vineyard. Walla Walla Valley Merlot is sure to attract attention in the future. Not only does it play a supporting role for Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also plays an important role in filling in the core of the flavor, with its concentration and complexity.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 96%
Blend Variety: Merlot 4%
Country of Origin: America
Local Name: Washington
AVA: Columbia Valley
Vineyards: Phinny Hill Vineyard, Sagemoor Vineyard, JB George Vineyard (own vineyard), Octave Vineyard (own vineyard)
Winemaker: Greg Harrington
Aging: 22 months in French barrels (38% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.0%
JAN: 860000155298